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If you love warm, comforting bites with a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and luscious creamy filling, then you are going to adore this Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling Recipe. Picture golden, crisp potato shells encasing a rich, cheesy chicken center that melts in your mouth with every bite. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into little pockets of heaven that are just begging to be shared at your next gathering or enjoyed as an irresistible snack. Trust me, once you make these croquettes, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy, flavorful indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance — each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes these croquettes so special.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: The foundation that offers a creamy yet firm texture to hold the filling.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Enhances creaminess and moisture without weighing down the potatoes.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and filling perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle, warming spice to balance each bite.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to bind the croquettes and achieve a delightful crust.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star protein that offers hearty, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy, luscious quality in the chicken filling.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, umami-packed depth to the filling.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to balance richness.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Essential to help the breadcrumbs adhere, creating that signature crispy crust.
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Gives the croquettes a light, crunchy exterior that’s satisfyingly crisp.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures even, golden frying without overpowering the flavors.
How to Make Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes
Start by boiling the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until they’re tender — this usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Draining them well is key to avoiding soggy croquettes later. Return the drained potatoes to the pot, then add unsalted butter, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together until you have a smooth, creamy base. Let this mixture cool to room temperature to make shaping easier and prevent the filling from melting prematurely.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Chicken Filling
While your potatoes are cooling, it’s time to bring your filling to life. Combine shredded cooked chicken with softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley in a bowl. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed to ensure the filling bursts with balanced flavor. This luscious filling is what makes these croquettes utterly unforgettable.
Step 3: Assemble the Croquettes
Once the mashed potatoes have cooled, scoop about a tablespoon of the potato mixture and flatten it gently in your palm. Place roughly a teaspoon of the chicken mixture in the center, then carefully mold the potato around it, shaping the croquette into a neat ball or oval. This step is where the magic happens, forming those lovely little parcels of delight. Keep going until all your potato and filling are used up.
Step 4: Coat the Croquettes
Get ready for crunch: dip each croquette into the beaten egg to wet the surface, then roll it in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. This double-step ensures a golden, crispy shell that stays crispy even after frying.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry your croquettes in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes each until they are beautifully golden and crisp on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them and let them drain on paper towels—this keeps them from getting greasy while maintaining their irresistible crunch.
How to Serve Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of Parmesan can brighten each serving with color and added flavor. For a touch of elegance, serve with a wedge of lemon for zest or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil to intensify the taste even more.
Side Dishes
These croquettes are a fantastic appetizer or snack, but they also pair brilliantly with light sides. Consider serving alongside a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a fresh tomato salsa that cuts through the richness in a refreshing way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, build croquette sliders with mini buns, fresh lettuce, and a smear of your favorite sauce. Or stack them on a platter with assorted dipping sauces such as spicy mayo, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for guests to mix and match. Your presentation can be simple or festive, but the flavor will always shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place your croquettes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their delectable texture and flavor.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze the uncooked assembled croquettes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can fry them fresh anytime—no thawing needed, just add a minute or two more when frying.
Reheating
To reheat leftover or frozen croquettes, the oven or air fryer is your best bet to retain that crunchy crust. Warm them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. It saves time and adds extra flavor, making your Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling Recipe even simpler to prepare.
Are these croquettes suitable for freezing before frying?
Yes, freezing the croquettes before frying is a great idea. Freeze them on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a container or bag. When ready, you can fry them straight from frozen with just a slightly longer cook time.
What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal because they mash smoothly and hold their shape well when fried, creating that perfect contrast between crispy exterior and creamy interior.
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying?
If you prefer baking, it’s possible! Brush the croquettes lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through until golden, but frying yields the crispiest results.
What are some good dipping sauces for these croquettes?
Ranch, spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or even a tangy tomato chutney all complement the creamy chicken filling splendidly and add an extra layer of flavor to your croquettes.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to every bite. Whether you’re feeding a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or just indulging in a delicious snack, these croquettes deliver big on flavor and texture. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover just how easy it is to make something so special with simple ingredients. Happy cooking and happy eating!
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Crispy Potato Croquettes with Creamy Chicken Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 croquettes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and crispy potato croquettes filled with a creamy chicken mixture, perfect as a savory appetizer or snack. These golden bites combine smooth mashed potatoes with a rich filling of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan, then are coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Coating and Frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for about 10–15 minutes or until tender. Drain and return them to the pot to prepare for mashing.
- Mash Potatoes: Add unsalted butter, whole milk, salt, and black pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before proceeding to the next step.
- Prepare Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Shape Croquettes: Once the mashed potatoes have cooled, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place about a teaspoon of the chicken filling in the center, then carefully mold the potato around the filling to form a ball or oval shape. Repeat until all the mixtures are used.
- Coat Croquettes: Dip each formed croquette first into the beaten egg, then roll it thoroughly in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Ensure every croquette is well-coated to achieve a crispy exterior when fried.
- Fry Croquettes: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy potato croquettes hot as an appetizer or snack. They pair well with dipping sauces like ranch dressing or spicy mayo. Enjoy your homemade crispy croquettes!
Notes
- You can prepare croquettes in advance and store them in the refrigerator before frying.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the croquettes by repeating the egg and breadcrumb dip before frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- If preferred, bake instead of frying by spraying croquettes with oil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Ensure oil temperature stays steady to avoid greasy or undercooked croquettes.
